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University Courses

University Courses -  Fall 2009 & Spring 2010 Timetable

University Degree courses at Cowichan Campus
You can complete the first two years of the following university degree programs at Vancouver Island University’s Cowichan Campus:

  • Bachelor of Arts, including preparation for degrees in Child & Youth Care, and Criminology.
  • Bachelor of Education.
  • Native Indian Teacher Education (NITEP), offered in conjunction with the University of British Columbia.

Bachelor of Arts

1 or 2 years at Cowichan
Vancouver Island University has always offered a full two years of a Bachelor of Arts program in a broad variety of academic disciplines. You can complete your B.A. degree at the Nanaimo campus, or transfer to the University of Victoria, University of British Columbia or Simon Fraser University. In addition, you can transfer your course credits to most other Canadian universities.

Bachelor of Arts in Child & Youth Care

1 or 2 years at Cowichan
You can take the first 2 years of the Bachelor of Arts in Child & Youth Care degree program by applying to the Child & Youth Care First Nations program and then complete the degree at the Nanaimo campus, or University of Victoria, or University College of the Fraser Valley. Enrolment in the B.A. in Child & Youth Care program at Vancouver Island University is limited. If you are applying for entry to second or third year courses, you should to talk to Student Services before pursuing application to the program. If you wish to take individual courses without being admitted to the program, you may do so where space and prerequisites allow.

Bachelor of Arts in Criminology

1 or 2 years at Cowichan
The RCMP and almost all municipal police forces in B.C. now require that their recruits have completed college-level courses which will increase prospects for selection. Most positions with the B.C. Attorney General (probation, institutional corrections, community programs) require completion of some college-level courses in criminology or other humanities subjects. Criminology courses are also useful in careers with Canada Customs, private security, research in crime and criminal justice issues, as well as community service occupations. Students can complete the third and fourth years of the degree at VIU’s Nanaimo campus.

Bachelor of Education

1 or 2 years at Cowichan
Vancouver Island University offers teacher education programs leading to a Bachelor of Education. You may enter the programs after two years of undergraduate preparation, or with an acceptable Bachelor’s degree. You may complete the degree program at Malaspina’s Nanaimo campus. The programs provide course work and field experiences designed to produce well-qualified teachers.

Upon successful completion of the degree program, candidates are recommended to the British Columbia College of Teachers for certification. Certification is required for employment in the British Columbia public school system.

Certificate in Business Management - NEW to Cowichan in FALL 2008

The Certificate in Business Management (CBM) is being offered at the Cowichan campus exclusively, as a full-time program.  This certificate program is designed to provide a sound foundation of business principles; should you be entrepreneurial or curious about a career in business this could be your opportunity.  By the end of this 8-month program you will have a sound introduction to the key functional areas of business practices. Courses in the CBM are fully transferrable to VIU’s Bachelor of Business Administration undergraduate degree. 

 Admission Requirements

 General admission requirements apply

  • Math 11, with min. “C+” or equivalent
  • English 12 with a min. “C” or equivalent

 Start Date and Application Timeline

 Students can start this program September 2009 at the Cowichan campus on either a full-time or part-time basis; however, taking it part-time will not give you a certificate at the end of 8 months.  Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis.

Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP)

NITEP is a Bachelor of Education (Elementary & Secondary) program for people of Aboriginal ancestry, offered through the University of British Columbia. The NITEP program is designed to build upon and strengthen the personal and cultural resources shared by Aboriginal people, and to prepare them for teaching positions in B.C. elementary schools.

Applicants who meet the UBC entrance requirements for NITEP first complete two years of studies at the field centre at the Cowichan Campus and then transfer to UBC to complete the remaining three years of their degree requirements.

Students register in university transfer courses at Vancouver Island University, as well as in UBC education courses. All courses are offered at the Cowichan Campus. The richness of the Valley’s First Nations community will enhance the delivery of the formal studies.

For further information, please contact the NITEP Field Centre Coordinator at 250-746-3552 to discuss admission requirements and academic program planning, or contact the NITEP office at UBC at 1-604-822-5240.

Social Services Diploma

The Social Services Diploma Program prepares its graduates to work in a number of settings within the human services delivery system such as addictions, mental health and family support. Each year a number of courses are offered at Cowichan campus that can lead to a Social Services Diploma granted by Vancouver Island University. In addition to the required Introduction to Social Work Practice and Introduction to Social Welfare courses, many courses offered at Cowichan campus can be used as electives towards completion of the Diploma. The courses in this program also prepare students for continued study in the field of Social Work through other universities and colleges. The courses in this program are transferable to the University of Victoria's School of Social Work. Additional information, including admission requirements to the Social Services Diploma Program.

Course Selection

Degree requirements vary from one university to another; therefore, it is important that anyone planning university studies consult Student Services at the Cowichan or Nanaimo campus about course selection. Call 250-746-3509 for an appointment.

Course Timetable 

The timetable for University courses is available by clicking on the link above and from the Information, Student Services, and Registration Centres at the Cowichan Campus.

Course Descriptions and Course Prerequisites

Consult the Vancouver Island University Calendar for course descriptions and prerequisites. Courses listed in the Calendar may not be offered every year. Check the current timetable for course availability. You are responsible for ensuring that the required prerequisites are completed prior to enrolling in a course. If you are uncertain about prerequisites, we recommend that you make an appointment with Student Services by calling 250-746-3509.

The Vancouver Island University Calendar provides an overview of Vancouver Island University’s ongoing services, programs, courses, financial assistance programs, as well as academic regulations. It is important to review a Calendar and become familiar with the information contained within.